Courting Her Highness_ The Story of Queen Anne - Jean Plaidy [19]
The Earl smiled at his wife.
“There is no need to tell you, my love, that I think you the most wonderful woman in the world. You must be aware of it.”
There had been talk of nothing in the St. Albans’ house but the marriage of Henrietta. Abigail spent most of her time in the sewing room working on dresses for the girls of the family. Weddings were continually discussed throughout the household and whenever on such occasion any of them became aware of Abigail, they usually gave her a pitying look which she interpreted without difficulty.
Poor plain Abigail! She will never have a handsome husband—nor any husband for that matter. For where would such a humble creature find a dowry; and who would marry her without?
One could not blame them, thought Abigail. It was perfectly true.
So she stitched the dresses and quietly listened to Henrietta’s abuse because she had not made a dazzling Court gown out of the materials provided; and she envied Henrietta, not her husband, but for the fact that she would escape from St. Albans.
Abigail attended the wedding, keeping well in the background. She briefly made the acquaintance of the Godolphins. “A connection of ours … who is so useful in the house!” It spoke for itself; the Godolphins briefly acknowledged the poor relation and promptly forgot she existed.
But there were some members of the household who did not forget her.
“The household has shrunk a little,” commented the Earl. “When you and I go back to Court and young John takes up his position in Gloucester’s household, there will only be the three girls here … and of course Abigail Hill. Do they need Abigail now, do you think?”
“Need her?” said Sarah. “They managed well enough before she came, but I understand she is meek and uncomplaining.”
“I do not doubt that, but it is an extra one to feed and those small creatures often have astonishing appetites.”
“My dear Marl, I don’t want the creature here, but what can I do?”
“Find her a place somewhere so that she is off our hands.”
“I will keep my eyes open. I do see what you mean. Why should she live at our expense when she might do so at someone else’s. She is useful, of course.”
“But we did not dismiss any of the servants when she came to us.”
“That’s true enough. I will see what can be done. If there is a place that it would not disgrace us for her to accept then she shall go. For as you say, why should we feed someone who brings no benefit to us.”
On matters of expense the Marlboroughs saw eye to eye. Abigail was a luxury they could do without; therefore they would give her to someone else.
With Henrietta and John gone, Abigail’s life became less secure. She was aware that the Marlboroughs would consider she was scarcely worth her keep. John had now left to take up his position in the household of the Duke of Gloucester; and as there was no longer the wedding to discuss and prepare for, the house seemed much quieter. Anne was apprehensive—knowing her turn would come. She was more sensitive than her sister, but young Mary seemed to grow more and more like her mother and sister Henrietta, and her arrogance was disconcerting. She referred to Abigail as “that Hill Creature” and turned up her nose when she mentioned her. Abigail disliked the child very much and longed more than ever to get away from St. Albans; but she never gave the slightest indication of her feelings; all Mary could provoke her to do was lower her eyes as though she feared that they alone could betray her dislike.
“It’s a miracle what she puts up with,” commented the servants. “Never gives a back answer—not even a look.”
“And what would happen to her if she did? I wouldn’t be in her position—connected with gentry though she may be.”
“These poor relations! I’d rather be a servant … good and proper. At least then you know your place.”
“She seems to know hers all right.